Bruins earn softball split with Kalama

Led by pitcher Danica Herman (five strikeouts), who tossed a one-hitter, the Bruins outhit the Chinooks 19-1 and had a dominating performance in Game 1. The Bruins jumped out to a 4-0 lead after three innings. After a scoreless fourth frame, the Bruins scored three in the fifth to extend their advantage to 7-0. They added four runs in the seventh inning for the final margin.

The Bruins were led offensively by Kierra Bucher (2-for-4), Joella Posini (3-for-4), Herman (3-for-3, two RBI), Halle Kock (3-for-4, RBI), Fiona Grabb (3-for-4, two RBI), Julia Mullinix (3-for-4, three RBI) and McKena Carlock (1-for-4, RBI).

In Game 2, the Bruins outhit the Chinooks, 24-15, but they were unable to overcome six errors in the six-run loss. The Bruins, guided by Coach Jesse Bryan, also issued 12 walks to the Chinooks.

“We pitched well, and we played well in the first game,” said Bryan. “In the second game, we struggled a bit with pitching, but all in all it was a slugfest. We had 24 hits, three home runs and scored 18 runs and lost by six. That has to be some sort of record.”

After the Bruins built a 4-2, first-inning advantage, the Chinooks came back and went up 10-4 in the top of the third inning. The Bruins then scored three runs in the bottom of the third and three more in the fourth, knotting it 10-10. The Chinooks outscored the Bruins 14-8 over the final three innings to pull out the victory.

The Bruin offense was led by Kock (3-for-4, two RBI, home run), Posini (4-for-5, five RBI, two home runs), McKena Carlock (2-for-4), Mullinix (4-for-5, two RBI), Herman (2-for-4, two RBI) and Grabb (2-for-5, two RBI).

Columbia plays a two-game series against La Center (6-3 league, 6-5 overall) – at home April 29 and away May 1. The Bruins are in second place in the eight-team league standings with three games remaining on the schedule. The Seton Catholic High Cougars (10-0 league, 12-3 overall) are atop the Trico standings.